Sonia McBride: Most Innovative Line

PHOTO CREDIT: Hayley Young

The line: The Central District-based designer (who works for a Ballard biking pannier company by day) describes her line as “urban cycling clothing for the professional woman,” as seen in garments like a violet pencil skirt that unzips on the sides to give more leg room to pedal. Other thoughtful details: reflective satin fabric on zippers and trims; the charming wool jacket’s mini capelet that protects against the wind; and double-reinforced seat and articulated-knee seaming on twill pants.

Creative spark: “For me, the design process starts with identifying a problem,” says the 25-year-old of her line. “As someone who commutes on my bike every day, it was obvious that there was a lack of functional and fashionable biking clothing for women, so I started trying to look for a creative solution. I’m inspired to find where those practical solutions, and then aesthetics, meet in a really realistic but beautiful way.”

Mission statement: “I also hope to encourage more women to use a bicycle as part of their daily routine, both as an environmentally responsible means of transportation and for the health benefits, too. On a larger scale, I’m hoping to help change what prototypical ‘cycling clothing’ looks like by adding stylish options.”

First garment created: “I made this peasant blouse in middle school; it was off the shoulder in a very bright white. I was so excited about it, but by the time I actually finished sewing the elastic neck, I didn’t even want to wear it anymore.”

How personal style influences her designs: “I’ve always had an affinity for structured, tailored vintage wear, like my grandmother’s clothing from the 1950s, so that love definitely comes out in my clothing.”

Line: Babecycle

School: Seattle Central Community College School of Apparel Design, Class of 2011